You enrolled in a CPR course to learn how to help your loved ones, but what’s the next step after performing CPR and the patient starts breathing? Unfortunately, not all CPR online certification programs cover the finer details. The next step is placing the patient in the recovery position. This article will provide more information about this position and its benefits for the patient. You will also learn about the Basic Life Support (BLS) course and what it teaches.
Discussing the steps of performing Adult CPR
Adult CPR follows the textbook technique for resuscitation, as it was the first type of CPR introduced to the world. This technique was primarily developed for adults, as they are more prone to experiencing cardiac issues compared to infants and children. However, separate CPR techniques have been developed for infants and children over time. The steps involved in Adult CPR include:
- Checking for unresponsiveness by tapping the person’s shoulder and shouting, “Are you ok?” It may take a couple of tries to wake them up.
- If the person does not respond, immediately call 911. Even if they respond but are involved in an accident, it is crucial to call 911 and report the incident.
- If the person is unresponsive, initiate CPR by placing your hands on their chest, one on top of the other.
- Begin chest compressions by applying pressure just above the person’s rib cage. Push down approximately 2 inches and allow the chest to rise back up. Repeat this at a rate of approximately 100 compressions per minute.
- After 30 compressions, open the person’s airway.
- Provide rescue breaths by pinching their nose and blowing into their mouth for about one second each.
- Continue the cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives.
Explaining the recovery position and its benefits
The recovery position is a posture commonly used in first aid and CPR. Placing a person in this position helps ensure their safety while waiting for help to arrive. It helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of choking if the person vomits. The recovery position involves spreading the left hand out to the side and placing the right hand under the person’s left ear. The right knee should be bent, and the person should be gently rolled onto their left side.
Tilting the head slightly backward after rolling onto the left side helps maintain an open airway. This positioning is also taught in recognized CPR online certification courses. The recovery position is considered one of the safest postures, protecting the person from potential harm from external sources.
Benefits of the recovery position:
- It maintains an open airway and reduces the risk of choking.
- The recovery position should only be used once the person starts breathing, as it allows them to continue breathing without obstruction.
- Lying on the back can cause the tongue to roll backward and block the airway. The recovery position prevents this by placing the person on their side.
- This position keeps the person’s head elevated, helping to maintain an open airway.
- A sideways posture prevents fluids, such as water, from entering the nose and other parts of the body.
- In some cases, people may inhale their vomit, leading to aspiration. Aspiration can cause lung infection and even death. The recovery position helps ensure that the patient’s vomit is expelled from their body.
- The steps involved in placing someone in the recovery position are simple and do not cause any physical harm to the patient.
Does a BLS course from AHCA teach CPR?
The American HealthCare Academy (AHCA) offers comprehensive online courses for both bystanders and healthcare providers. Their goal is to equip everyone with life-saving skills. One of the courses available at AHCA is Basic Life Support (BLS). This course covers various topics, including:
- Chest Compressions: You will learn the proper technique for performing chest compressions, as well as how and when to switch with a partner.
- Using an AED: The course provides instruction on how to properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in an emergency situation.
- Choking: Students will learn how to recognize when someone is choking and how to administer first aid to assist them.
- Patient Assessment: BLS principles include understanding how to assess a patient, provide essential life support, and respond to cardiac arrest cases.
- CPR Guidelines and Techniques: The course covers the most up-to-date guidelines and practices for performing CPR during emergencies.
Conclusion
CPR is a vital skill that can help save lives. After performing CPR, placing the patient in the recovery position aids in their recovery. The CPR online certification course provided by the American HealthCare Academy also teaches the importance of the recovery position. Visit the AHCA website and start your course today.
Also read: 14 Tips for Choosing The Right Home Care Provider: What To Look for and What To Avoid